U.S. patent application number 14/726455 was filed with the patent office on 2016-12-01 for knee positioner with expandable carriage.
This patent application is currently assigned to INNOVATIVE MEDICAL PRODUCTS, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is Innovative Medical Products, Inc.. Invention is credited to Tim BLACKWELL, Tamas KOVACS.
Application Number | 20160346151 14/726455 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57396925 |
Filed Date | 2016-12-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160346151 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
BLACKWELL; Tim ; et
al. |
December 1, 2016 |
KNEE POSITIONER WITH EXPANDABLE CARRIAGE
Abstract
Apparatus for adjustably positioning extremity or body part such
as knees hands, or feet for a surgical procedure having a carriage
with a base adapted to engage a track for sliding movement there
along, an arm configured to fit to the base at a hinge secured by a
pin, a socket formed by the joining of the base and arm configured
to accept a ball of a holder generally adapted to engage and
support the extremity upon which the surgical procedure is to be
performed, and a clamp adjacent cooperating with the hinge to lock
a position of the carriage along a track and to lock a holder of an
extremity in a secure position. The carriage is configured to be
tightened and loosed with by the movement of one handle, thereby
forming a releasable lock to the ball in the socket and carriage
position. The carriage is adapted to slide on a rigid frame when
attached to an operating table or the like. The carriage and frame
are configured to promote improved maintenance and sterilization by
minimizing parts and having a construction that improves
sterilization by disassembly, flash operating room, and other
sterilization methods.
Inventors: |
BLACKWELL; Tim; (Jupiter,
FL) ; KOVACS; Tamas; (Bristol, CT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Innovative Medical Products, Inc. |
Plainville |
CT |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
INNOVATIVE MEDICAL PRODUCTS,
INC.
Plainville
CT
|
Family ID: |
57396925 |
Appl. No.: |
14/726455 |
Filed: |
May 29, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61G 13/101 20130101;
A61G 13/125 20130101; A61G 13/0063 20161101; A61G 13/1245
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61G 13/12 20060101
A61G013/12; A61G 13/00 20060101 A61G013/00; A61G 13/10 20060101
A61G013/10 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for securing an extremity holder to a track on an
operating table for performing a surgical procedure comprising: a
carriage supported on the track for selective movement there along,
said carriage comprising: a base configured with a track portion
formed on a lower surface adapted to engage said track and for
sliding movement there along; said base having a hinge portion
formed on an upper surface thereof at a predetermined location; an
arm configured to fit to said base adjacent said hinge portion,
said arm being attached to said base by a pin through a hole in
said hinge portion so as to move said arm relative to said base;
said base configured with an opening located on a side thereof,
said aperture extends through said base and aligns with an threaded
portion on said arm; a socket formed by said base and said arm
configured to accept a ball of a holder generally adapted to engage
and support the extremity upon which the surgical procedure is to
be performed, a clamp for releasably locking said ball in said
socket and releasably locking said carriage on said track of said
base, said clamp comprising a handle and a rod with a threaded end,
whereby said rod extends through said opening formed in said base
and engages said threaded portion in said arm to form said clamping
arrangement for releasing said ball from said socket and for
positioning said carriage by sliding movement along said track of
said base.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 further including a sliding plate, said
sliding plate being formed of a generally planar surface with tabs
adapted to engage in a holder formed in the lower surface of said
base for improving sliding movement and positioning of said
carriage along said track of said base.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said sliding plate is formed of
friction reducing material including a polymer [other
materials].
4. The apparatus of claim 1 including a plate for an operating
table, said plate comprised of a unitary construction having a
generally as planar shape, said plate having an upper surface and
lower surface; said lower surface adapted to secure to the
operating table, said upper surface having a track formed
thereon.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 whereby said predetermined location
provides an improved locking function of the clamp.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 whereby the extremity holder is adapted
to engage and support a body part and/or a human joint of a patient
which a surgical procedure is to be performed, whereby said clamp
allows said holder to be releasably positioned and locked along the
track in a desired position for the surgical procedure.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said base of the carriage is
formed from a solid material such as metal, aluminum, stainless
steel, [others] and/or metal alloys.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said arm is formed from a solid
material such as metal, aluminum, stainless steel, [others] and/or
metal alloys.
9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said pin includes a sleeve
bearing configured provide rotation of said arm secured to said
base at said predetermined location.
10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said arm includes a threaded
insert to prevent gauging of said solid material of said arm by
said threaded end of said rod upon clamping. T
11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said arm includes a protrusion
and said base includes a recess located adjacent a socket, whereby
when protrusion aligns with said recess and cooperates with the
socket for improved holding of the extremity holder and locking the
extremity holder upon clamping.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to apparatus of the type used for the
positive positioning of a body part such as, for example, hands,
feet, knees, etc., for surgical procedures and other medical
activities where the body part must be maintained in the selected
optimum position and, more particularly, to an apparatus with tilt
control and adjustable by one hand operation having improved
holding strength, sterilization function.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Surgical procedures increasingly require that the joint,
limb or body part to be operated upon to be precisely and
predictably positioned during such surgery. Optimum positioning
requires a large range of positive positioning adjustments to be
easily available so that the limb or joint to be treated is
initially positioned and thereafter maintained in the desired
position. Not only must such selected position be maintainable but
also it is very important and often necessary that the limb be
released and repositioned on demand during the course of the
procedure to ensure optimum access thereby to require a variety of
angular relationships for effective surgery.
[0003] Medical devices, including surgical equipment for holding a
body part, that have contact with body tissues or fluids are
considered critical items as these items should be sterile when
used because any microbial contamination could result in disease
transmission. If these items are heat resistant, the recommended
sterilization process is steam sterilization, because it has the
largest margin of safety due to its reliability, consistency, and
lethality. Most medical and surgical devices used in healthcare
facilities are made of materials that are heat stable and therefore
undergo heat, primarily steam, sterilization. Sterilization
destroys all microorganisms on the surface of an article or in a
fluid to prevent disease transmission associated with the use of
that item. Sterilization refers to any process that eliminates,
removes and/or kills all forms of life, including transmissible
agents such as fungi, bacteria, viruses, spore forms, etc. present
on a surface, which can be achieved by applying heat, chemicals,
irradiation, high pressure, and filtration or combinations thereof.
The concept of what constitutes "sterile" is measured as a
probability of sterility for each item to be sterilized. This
probability is commonly referred to as the sterility assurance
level (SAL).
[0004] Sterilization facilities are separate from operating rooms
to perform heat sterilization on surgical equipment in an
autoclave, sometimes called a converter. If sterilization is needed
in the operating room, flash sterilization methods are used, for
example, should the plate become unsterile for any reason then
flash sterilization methods require placing in hot liquids to
remove pathogens and afterwards instruments may take longer to
reach the required room-temperature after sterilization while
cooling thereby delaying the surgical procedure and adding
cost.
[0005] Problems in sterilizing surgical equipment for holding a
body part abound Disadvantages of previous surgical equipment for
holding a body part include the costs associated with
sterilization, whereby nooks and folds where residues accumulate
and cannot be, or require increased effort to be, dislodged.
Another design problem is in use of multiple parts, whereby the
entire set of complex rails, tubes and other parts of the surgical
equipment and apparatus required disassembly, scrubbing, power
washing and other procedures that increased the cost of the
sterilization and overall procedure. In addition, parts of the
surgical equipment for holding a body part could get lost or
removal may void warranties. In general, such surgical equipment
for holding a body part during a surgical procedure required
sterilization before entering an operating room. Once the surgical
procedure ends, the surgical equipment again requires
sterilization.
[0006] These problems involving the sterilization of surgical
equipment have existed for a long period of time without solution.
The problem also involves design and construction involving
multiple parts such as, for example, complex rails, tubes and other
apparatus secured to an operating table. As a result, a simplified
design for surgical equipment for holding a body part is desired
that reduces these and other disadvantages including the cost of
the sterilization and overall time and cost of the procedure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] It is an object of the apparatus, system and method of the
present invention to provide a carriage for positioning an
extremity holder featuring two locking points achieved by one
locking mechanism that is an improvement to prior designs in
functionality and holding strength.
[0008] It is an object of the apparatus, system and method of the
present invention to provide a extremity holder such as for a
positioning a knee for surgery utilizing a locking the ball and
carriage on the fly with a one arm lock and ergonomic handle.
[0009] It is an object of the apparatus, system and method of the
present invention to provide a carriage having advantages of
minimum parts so as to improve use, sterilization, maintenance
thereof.
[0010] It is an object of the present invention to provide an
apparatus, system and method of treatment that advantageously is
rugged in structure and provides support for the patient's limbs or
body during the preparation for surgery, when it is necessary to
have an extremity draped and available for operation.
[0011] It is an object of the apparatus, system and method of the
present invention to provide a carriage with tilt control for use
in surgical procedures of a larger limb (i.e. heavier), the weight
of the body part.
[0012] It is an object to provide a carriage with tilt control with
minimum parts so as to improve use, sterilization, maintenance
thereof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present
invention are described with reference to the following drawings.
In the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like parts
throughout the various figures unless otherwise specified.
[0014] For a better understanding of the present invention,
reference will be made to the following Description of the
Embodiments, which is to be read in association with the
accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a
part of this specification, show certain aspects of the subject
matter disclosed herein and, together with the description, help
explain some of the principles associated with the disclosed
implementations, wherein:
[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates schematic top view of the apparatus,
system, and method in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0016] FIG. 2 illustrates the top view the apparatus in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 3 illustrates the bottom view the apparatus in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 4 illustrates schematic bottom view of the apparatus,
system, and method in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0019] FIG. 5 illustrates a side view the arm and base of the
apparatus;
[0020] FIG. 6 illustrates a side view the clamp and arm in the base
of the apparatus;
[0021] FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of the rotatable opening of
the arm and base of the apparatus;
[0022] FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of the hinge of the arm and
base of the apparatus;
[0023] FIG. 9A illustrates a side view of the carriage on a track
according to an embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 9B
illustrates a perspective side view of the carriage with tilt
control on both sides of the extremity holder according to another
embodiment of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 10 illustrates a schematic perspective view of the
carriage with tilt control according to an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0025] FIG. 11 illustrates a side view of the carriage with tilt
control according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 12 illustrates a end view of the carriage with tilt
control according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 13 illustrates a top view of the carriage with tilt
control according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 14 illustrates a side view of the carriage with tilt
control on a track according to an embodiment of the present
invention; and
[0029] FIGS. 15A, 15B and 15C illustrate a top, exploded side and
perspective schematic views of the insert and slide for the tilt
control according to an embodiment of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0030] Non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will be
described below with reference to the accompanying drawings,
wherein like reference numerals represent like elements throughout.
While the invention has been described in detail with respect to
the preferred embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated that upon
reading and understanding of the foregoing, certain variations to
the preferred embodiments will become apparent, which variations
are nonetheless within the spirit and scope of the invention.
[0031] The terms "a" or "an", as used herein, are defined as one or
as more than one. The term "plurality", as used herein, is defined
as two or as more than two. The term "another", as used herein, is
defined as at least a second or more. The terms "including" and/or
"having", as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open
language). The term "coupled", as used herein, is defined as
connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily
mechanically.
[0032] Reference throughout this document to "some embodiments",
"one embodiment", "certain embodiments", and "an embodiment" or
similar terms means that a particular feature, structure, or
characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is
included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus,
the appearances of such phrases or in various places throughout
this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same
embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or
characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or
more embodiments without limitation.
[0033] The term "or" as used herein is to be interpreted as an
inclusive or meaning any one or any combination. Therefore, "A, B
or C" means any of the following: "A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and
C; A, B and C". An exception to this definition will occur only
when a combination of elements, functions, steps or acts are in
some way inherently mutually exclusive.
[0034] The drawings featured in the figures are provided for the
purposes of illustrating some embodiments of the present invention,
and are not to be considered as limitation thereto. Term "means"
preceding a present participle of an operation indicates a desired
function for which there is one or more embodiments, i.e., one or
more methods, devices, or apparatuses for achieving the desired
function and that one skilled in the art could select from these or
their equivalent in view of the disclosure herein and use of the
term "means" is not intended to be limiting.
[0035] As used herein the term "body" "body part" "extremity" or
"limb" refers to a body part or extremity consisting of foot,
ankle, knee, leg, hand, wrist, arm and shoulder of a patient.
[0036] As used herein the term "Flash" sterilization is defined as
steam sterilization of an unwrapped object at 132.degree. C. for 3
minutes at 27-28 lbs. of pressure in a gravity displacement
sterilizer 843 as pioneered by the Underwood and Perkins.
Currently, the time required for flash sterilization depends on the
type of sterilizer and the type of item, i.e., porous vs non-porous
items. Although the wrapped method of sterilization is preferred
for the reasons listed below, correctly performed flash
sterilization is an effective process for the sterilization of
critical medical devices. Flash sterilization is a modification of
conventional steam sterilization (either gravity, pre-vacuum, or
steam-flush pressure-pulse) in which the flashed item is placed in
an open tray or is placed in a specially designed, covered, rigid
container to allow for rapid penetration of steam.
[0037] As used herein the term "holder" or "extremity holder"
refers to a device or a means for supporting the body part, or
joint thereof, of a patient in the preparation for surgery or
medical activity and/or during surgery to hold a body part for
access to the body part. A holder can be used to position the body
part such as an arm or leg for patient preparation.
[0038] As used herein the term "patient" refers to any recipient of
health care services. The patient is most often ill or injured and
in need of treatment by a surgeon, physician, physician assistant,
advanced practice registered nurse, veterinarian, or other health
care provider.
[0039] As used herein the term "medical activity" refers to the
provision of medical care consisting of hospital activities,
medical and dental practice activities, and "other human health
activities" by a surgeon, physician, physician assistant, advanced
practice registered nurse, veterinarian, or other health care
provider. "Medical activity" can also include to numerous
activities of medical treatment, diagnosis, preparation for
surgery, or inspection of a body part so as to hold a body part for
access to the body part.
[0040] As used herein the terms "surgery", "operation" "surgical
procedure" or refers an act of performing surgery such as by a
surgeon, or simply to investigate and/or treat a pathological
condition such as disease or injury, or to help improve bodily
function or appearance using operative manual and instrumental
techniques on a patient to in the medical specialty context. The
adjective surgical means pertaining to surgery; e.g. surgical
instruments or surgical nurse. The patient or subject on which the
surgery is performed can be a person or an animal.
[0041] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 15A-C, an apparatus, system and
method of manufacture of an apparatus for securing an extremity
holder to a track on an operating table useful for performing a
surgical procedure using the apparatus, generally shown as element
100, in according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention. Generally, an extremity holder 101 of a pre-determined
shape is attached to a post 102 at a proximate end 103 and the post
102 has a distal end 104 with a ball 105 useful for securing the
extremity holder 101 to an operating table 106 for performing a
predetermined surgical procedure 108. The operating table 106 can
have a track 108, either integral or attached to the operating
table 106, for positioning the extremity holder 101 thereby
positioning a body part 109 for the surgical procedure.
[0042] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 15A-C, the apparatus 100
comprises a carriage assembly 110 for supporting the extremity
holder 101 on the track 108 and for selective movement of the
carriage assembly 110 there along. The carriage assembly 110 and
has a base 111 defining a rigid rectangular structure with a step
112. The base comprises a hinge portion 113 located at one end of
the step 112 for joining an arm 120 thereto and a recess portion
114 located along said step 112 configured to accept a protrusion
127 on arm 120. The base 111 further comprises a track portion 115
defining rails to attach to the track 108, or to a track 108 of an
extendable track 108a thereof, as shown in FIG. 9A.
[0043] The base 111 has surfaces of an upper surface 116, lower
surface 117 and side surfaces 118. The upper surface 116 is
configured with the step 112 generally located and centered along a
mid-line, the hinge portion 113 is located at one end of the step
112, and the recess 114 located at another end of the step 112. The
track portion 115 is located on a lower surface 117 of the base
111. The base 111 has side surface(s) 118 so as to define a rigid
rectangular structure, which is non-limiting as other designs are
possible. Because the base 111 is intended for use in an operating
room environment, it is formed from materials that are durable,
sturdy, and that can be repeatedly sterilized such as, for example,
most commonly formed from stainless steel that is known to reduce
bacterial and early bio-film attachment, other suitable metals and
metal alloys. The base 111 has an opening 119 in a side surface 118
configured to accept a rod 132 of a clamp assembly 130 as is
described herein.
[0044] The apparatus 100 of the present invention further comprises
an arm 120 having a hinge portion 121 with a hole 122 adapted to
receive a pin 123 to join the arm 120 to the base 111. The arm 120
is configured to fit to the base 111 adjacent the step 112 whereby
the hinge portion 121 aligns with the hinge portion 112 on the base
so as to be attached with pin 123, thereby opening and closing of
the arm 120 by rotation around the pin 123 and hinge portions 121,
113. The hinge portions 113 and 121 can include a sleeve bearing
124 to provide smooth rotation around the point formed by the hinge
portions and pin 123. The arm 120 can be a general rectangular
shape and formed from a solid material. A suitable material to form
the arm 120 is stainless steel yet other materials and/or metal
alloys with qualities of durability, strength and that can be
repeatedly sterilized to reduce bacterial attachment can be
utilized.
[0045] As shown in FIG. 1, the arm 120 can be configured with a
hole 125 adapted to receive a threaded insert 126 to tighten the
clamp assembly 130 and perform the holding and securing feature of
the present invention. The threaded insert 126 to prevent gauging
of the solid material of the arm 120 by a threaded end 133 of the
rod 132 upon clamping. The arm 120 is further configured with a
protrusion 127 adapted to fit to the recess 114 in base 111
adjacent the step 112 by closing the arm 120.
[0046] As shown in FIGS. 1 through 15A-C, the assembly 100 of the
present invention is adapted to secure and to hold the extremity
holder 101 in a desired position, thereby positioning a body part
109 for a desired surgical procedure 107. The carriage 110 is
configured with a socket 160 formed at a mid-point in the upper
surface 116 adapted to receive a ball 105 or other attaching means
of the extremity holder 101. The socket 160 is formed between the
base 111 and arm 120 in the closed position. As the arm 120 abuts
the step 112, the protrusion 127 is inserted in the recess along
the step 112, thereby creating strength in the holding of the ball
105. The socket can be tightened or loosed to open and close upon
the ball 105 by the clamping action of the clamp assembly 120. For
example, a tightening operation involves turning the handle 131 in
a particular direction which pulls the arm 120 by engaging the
threads of the threaded insert 126 in the hole 125 of the arm 120
with the threaded end 134 of rod 132. The base 111 and arm 120 are
joined and form a fulcrum at the hinge formed by the pin 123 and
hinge portions 113, 121, thereby tightening the hold around the
ball 105 in the socket 160. A loosening operation involves turning
the handle 131 in a particular direction opposite tightening
direction, thereby releasing the hold around the ball 105 in the
socket 160 by the similar action of the threads pushing the arm 120
outwardly by the action of engaging the threads of the threaded end
134 and threaded insert 126.
[0047] As shown in FIGS. 1 through 15A-C, a clamp assembly 130 is
configured with a handle 131, rod 132 with at least a threaded
distal end 133, and a track clamp tab 134. The handle 131 can be
made from stainless steel and have an ergonomic design suitable to
provide tightening and improved operation in a user's hands. The
rod 132 can similarly be made from made from stainless steel. Each
of the handle 131 and rod 132 are intended to be easily sterilized.
The track clamp tab 134 is used to secure and hold the position of
the carriage 110 the track 105 by a compression friction fit in the
operation of tightening of the clamp assembly 130. As above, the
clamp assembly 130 operates in conjunction with the base 111 and
arm 120 as joined at the hinge (the pin 123 and hinge portions 113,
121) to form a fulcrum to tighten and loosen the hold around the
ball 105 in the socket 160.
[0048] As shown in FIGS. 1 through 15A-C, a sliding plate 140 is
located between a lower surface 117 of the base 111 and the track
108 for improving sliding movement and positioning of said carriage
110 along the track 108. The sliding plate 140 is formed of a
predetermined friction reducing material including a polymer and
other materials that can be sterilized. The sliding plate 140 has a
generally planar surface 141 shape and tab(s) 142 at one edge
configured for placement in holes 143 of the base 111. The sliding
plate 142 is configured to pivot between a closed position in a
recess 144 in the lower surface 117 of the base 111 when interposed
between the base 111 and the track 108 for improving sliding
movement and positioning of said carriage 110 along the track 108.
The sliding plate 142 can open to an open position having the
appearance of a flap useful for cleaning and sterilization as well
as ease of maintenance and replacement of the sliding plate 142. As
illustrated in FIG. 9A, a plate 150 is configured for securing to
an operating table 106 to attach the assembly 100 thereto. A
separate plate 150 has advantages in that it can be sterilized,
used repeatedly, and attached to the operating table. The plate 150
has a generally rectangular planar shape 151 forming an upper
surface 152 and a lower surface 153. According to an embodiment of
the present invention, the plate 150 includes a track 154
configured for the track portion 115 to slide over thereby
attaching the carriage 110 of the assembly 100 thereon. The plate
150 can be attached to the operating table 106 by suitable
fasteners, for example, locking on or more knobs 157. As above, the
track clamp tab 134 is used to secure and hold the position of the
carriage 110 the track 105 by a compression friction fit in the
operation of tightening of the clamp assembly 130. In an
alternative embodiment of the present invention, the plate 150 can
have an extension plate adapted to join together two tracks an
extension track 156 and a track 105, thereby the plate 150 can
accommodate larger limbs and body parts 109 that may extend from
the operating table 106 for a particular surgical procedure
107.
[0049] Referring now to FIGS. 9B, 10-15A-C, according to another
embodiment of the apparatus, system and method 100 of the present
invention, carriage assembly 110 incorporates a tilt control
assembly 170. The tilt control assembly 170 includes a slide
assembly 180 configured to follow pathway 172 located on the base
111. An additional pathway 173 can be located on the arm 120.
Pathways 172 and 173 may be formed in a predetermined trajectory
174 as well as formed with dimples 175, which trajectory and
dimples 175 can provide a predetermined tilt angle(s) 176 as shown
in FIG. 14. For example, the trajectory 173 can be linear or
arcuate so as to locate the slide assembly 180 positioned
contiguous with the post 103 of the extremity holder 101.
Alternatively, increased material or a flange 177 can be located on
a distal portion 104 adjacent the ball 105 of the post 103 in order
to more fully engage the slide assembly 180.
[0050] Referring to FIGS. 15A, 15B and 15C, slide assembly 180 can
be configured with an insert 181 adapted as a housing to hold a
ball bearing 182 and for a spring 183 to fit on the outside of the
insert 181 housing as is shown in FIG. 15B. Alternatively, it is
appreciated that the spring 183 can be selected to fit inside the
insert 181 housing). The insert 181, ball bearing 192 and spring
183 are designed to fit into the recess of hole 184 as shown in
FIGS. 15A-15C. The slide assembly 180 has a top surface 185
configured for the hand or finger such as, for example, a thumb to
move the slide assembly along pathway 172, 173. The slide assembly
180 also has a bottom surface 186 configured with the hole 184 to
receive the insert and spring 181, 183. The slide assembly 180 is
configured to slide along pathway(s) 172, 173 with the insert 181
engaging dimple(s) 175. In order to track the pathways, the slide
assembly 180 may be formed with an inner recess 187 and a bottom
flange 187 so as to form a groove guide 189 for slidably engaging
the pathways 172, 173. The inner recess 187, bottom flange 187
groove guide 189 may be formed by milling in a CNC machine.
[0051] As shown in FIGS. 9B, 10, 13 and 14, the pathways 172 and
173 can allow the slide assembly 180 to be located on either side
so as set a predetermined tilt angle 176, shown in FIG. 14.
Although the carriage assembly 100 is adaptable to locate and lock
precisely the body part 109 in a predetermined position for a
surgical procedure 107 with fine adjustment for the patient,
establishing a known tilt angle may be advantageous in a variety of
surgical procedures. In certain surgical procedures, one or more
slide(s) 180 may be fitted and secured on both sides to pathways
171, 172, whereby the holder 101 is secured in a manner making it
not possibly to tilt either way as the post 103 will engage the
slide(s) 171 in pathways 171, 172 to stop further movement as is
illustrated in FIG. 9B. For example, in a knee operation of a
larger limb (i.e. heavier), the weight of the body part 109 may
shift the predetermined angle 176. According to an embodiment of
the present invention, the slide assembly 180 is moved along
pathway 172 (or alternatively 173) under flange 177 on post 103 of
the extremity holder 101 until the predetermined angle 176 is
established for body part 109. The position can be secured by the
clamp assembly 130, whereby the handle 131 is tightened threaded
end 133 joining the base 111 and arm 120 around the ball 103 of the
extremity holder.
[0052] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
the slide assembly 180 is moved along pathway 172 engaging one or
more dimples 175 established for the predetermined angle 176 (i.e.
setting angles of 1.degree., 2.degree., 3.degree., . . . or
2.degree., 4.degree., 6.degree., . . . or 5.degree., 10.degree.,
15.degree., . . . etc,). In a linear trajectory 174 the dimples 175
are spaced equally. In an arcuate trajectory 174 the dimples 175
may be spaced at varying distances. The slide assembly 180 may
include a ball bearing 182 and spring 183 to engage and disengage
the dimples 175, as these may be formed in the pathway 172 in base
111 or pathway 173 in arm 120, as the slide assembly is slidably
moved.
[0053] According to another aspect of the present invention, the
parts for the tilt control assembly 170 are minimized consisting
essentially of the slide assembly 180 and milled pathways 172 and
173 in the base 111 and arm 120 are easily sterilized so as to
lower the cost of use of the present invention. Moreover, the parts
the slide assembly 180 and milled grooved guide 189 for pathways
172, 173 as well as the insert 181 (with ball bearing 182 secured
therein) and spring 183 are easily sterilized so as to lower the
cost of use of the present invention.
[0054] According to another aspect of the present invention, a
knurled knob 171 may be formed in tilt control assembly 170 to
tighten the carriage base 111 to an operating table 106 and prevent
movement in all x, y and z directions. The knurled knob 171 is
configured to be inserted into a threaded hole in the base 111 so
as to set location on the operating table 106 or other track. The
knurled knob 171 is configured locks carriage assembly 100 base 111
anywhere on track thereby forming an "e-brake" and stopping any
translational force to assist the clamp assembly 130 with
additional locking so as not slide along the rail or track. These
parts are again minimized for sterilization as the knurled knob 171
requires removal and the hole and knob 178 can be easily cleaned
and sterilized.
[0055] While certain configurations of structures have been
illustrated for the purposes of presenting the basic structures of
the present invention, one of ordinary skill in the art will
appreciate that other variations are possible which would still
fall within the scope of the appended claims. Additional advantages
and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art.
Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to
the specific details and representative embodiments shown and
described herein. Accordingly, various modifications may be made
without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive
concept as defined by the appended claims and their
equivalents.
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